Studying Medicine in China | Requirements and Costs 2025

Studying medicine in China is a smart choice, highly popular among international students due to its low cost and high-quality education. The cost of studying medicine in China is much more affordable compared to many other foreign countries. With an educational system ranked 8th among the top 10 worldwide, China has long been a top destination for many students. Each year, the country sees nearly 450,000 international students enrolling in its educational institutions, marking an 11% increase compared to previous years. While China offers a wide range of programs at several world-class universities, pursuing a medical degree in China is undoubtedly one of the best options. Before submitting your application, make sure you have the necessary information about the conditions for studying medicine in China. Stay with us as we, at Elm Vira Immigration Institute, provide you with everything you need to know about costs, scholarships, and the best universities in China. Studying medicine in China China, with one of the most advanced economies in the world, has become one of the largest educational hubs globally. The country boasts over 2,900 universities, of which 180 specialize in medical education. Medicine studies in China, referred to as MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery), typically last between 4 to 6 years. This program includes a 5-year bachelor’s degree followed by a one-year internship. Medical specialization in China generally consists of a 2-3 year master’s program. During the medical course in China, students study subjects such as anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, pathology, microbiology, and more. There are 45 medical universities in China that offer programs in English, and many of these institutions are recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO). Cost of studying medicine in China One of the main reasons students from around the world choose to study medicine in China is the affordable tuition fees. China is home to renowned medical institutions that have made significant strides in healthcare. The cost of studying medicine in China depends on university tuition fees and student living expenses. On average, tuition fees range from $5,000 to $8,400 per year. This is quite affordable compared to the cost of studying medicine in countries like the US, the UK, and Canada. Living expenses in China vary depending on the city and lifestyle, but on average, international students can expect to spend around $300 to $450 per month for accommodation, food, and other expenses. Overall, the cost of studying medicine in China is more affordable than many other countries such as the US, Australia, and the UK. For undergraduate medical studies, the cost typically ranges from $4,000 to $11,000 per year. Pursuing medical specialization at the master’s and doctoral levels in China will cost around $5,000 to $25,000 per year.

Free Medical Education in China China offers a wide range of scholarships for international students wishing to pursue an MBBS degree in the country. These scholarships are provided by both the Chinese government and individual universities. The scholarships cover tuition fees and accommodation costs. There are various types of medical scholarships in China that can assist students with both tuition and living expenses while studying in the country. A limited number of Chinese universities offer scholarships to international students. Some important factors in being awarded a scholarship include high academic performance and presenting a strong academic resume. Scholarships from Chinese universities can range from 3,000 yuan ($343) per year to cover all educational expenses. Types of Scholarships in China For free education in China, the number of scholarships available to international students is limited, and competition is very high. These scholarships include:

• Chinese Government Scholarship: Offered by the Chinese government, this scholarship covers tuition fees, accommodation, and a living stipend for students.
• University Scholarship: Provided by individual universities, this scholarship typically covers tuition fees and sometimes accommodation costs.
• Confucius Institute Scholarship: This scholarship is offered by the Confucius Institute and covers tuition, accommodation, and living expenses.

Requirements for Receiving a Medical Scholarship in China To be eligible for a scholarship for studying medicine in China, students must meet certain conditions, including:

• Must be a non-Chinese citizen.
• Must hold a high school diploma or an equivalent qualification.
• Must be in good overall health.
• Should have a strong academic performance.
• Students must meet the required language proficiency in English or Chinese.
• Successful performance in the final interview for the scholarship.

Medical Scholarships in China Here is a list of some of the Chinese medical universities that offer scholarships to international students:

• Anhui Medical University
• Capital Medical University
• Chongqing Medical University
• Fujian Medical University
• Guangzhou Medical University
• Southern Medical University
• Guangxi Medical University
• Hebei Medical University
• Harbin Medical University
• Nanjing Medical University
• Suzhou Medical University
• Dalian Medical University
• Liaoning Medical University
• Ningxia Medical University
• Tianjin Medical University
• Xinjiang Medical University
• Kunming Medical University
• Wenzhou Medical College

Admission Requirements for Medical Studies in China Students wishing to study medicine in China do not need to take an entrance exam. One of the advantages of studying in China is the lack of an entrance exam. However, different universities may have specific requirements based on the type of institution and level of study. Some Chinese medical universities may also conduct a virtual interview for admission. In general, students need to meet certain criteria for medical studies in China.

• Students must have at least 60% of their grades in physics, chemistry, and biology in high school.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• A 12-year diploma or an equivalent high school qualification is required for admission to Chinese universities.
• An English language proficiency certificate (TOEFL or IELTS) is required for English-taught programs. The minimum acceptable IELTS score for most Chinese universities is 6 or 6.5.

Required Documents for Admission to Medical Programs in China To obtain admission to study medicine in China, the following documents are required:

• Copy of passport
• Copy of identification documents
• Several passport-sized photos
• Application form
• Personal statement
• Admission letter from the university
• Health certificate
• Motivation letter
• CV (Resume)
• Certificate of no criminal record
• Two recommendation letters
• High school diploma
• Transcript of records
• Proof of financial capability

It is important to note that medical admissions in China occur in two intakes: March and September. Most Chinese medical universities admit international students in September.

Steps to Apply and Get Admission for Medical Studies in China If students meet the admission requirements, they can follow these steps to apply for admission to Chinese universities and pursue medical studies in China:

1. Visit the website of the desired university.
2. Complete the application form and upload the required documents (translated into English or Chinese).
3. Pay the application fee.
4. Upon approval, receive the admission letter from the university.
5. With the necessary documents and the admission letter, apply for a student visa at the Chinese embassy in your country.

Once you receive the admission letter from the university, you can go to the Chinese embassy to get your student visa. Required Documents for a Student Visa to China When applying for a Chinese student visa, you will need to submit the following documents:

• Original passport with at least 6 months of validity
• 6×4 passport-sized photo
• Original and copy of the admission letter
• Visa fee payment receipt (approximately $65)
• Residence permit
• Copy of flight ticket
• Health certificate
• Criminal record certificate, etc.

There are generally two types of student visas for studying medicine in China: X1 and X2. The X1 visa is usually for students who will stay in China for more than 6 months, while the X2 visa is for students staying for less than 6 months. Since medical studies in China typically last around 5 to 6 years, students should apply for the X1 visa after receiving the admission letter from the university. This visa is valid for 90 days after issuance, so students must apply for temporary residence within 90 days of entering China. Studying Medicine in China: Top Medical Universities in China If you plan to study medicine in China but are unsure which university to choose, here is a list of some of the best medical universities in China. The top universities for medical studies in China are renowned for their quality and international reputation, making them popular choices among international students.

1. Shantou Medical University
2. Shantou Medical University (SUMC) is one of the few universities in China offering a 5-year medical program for international students. The university has a modern medical center that simulates a hospital. The annual tuition fee for medical studies at SUMC is 40,000 yuan. The application deadline is from May to June.
3. Peking Medical University
4. Peking Medical University is one of the top universities for studying medicine in China, ranked among the top 100 universities globally. It consists of 30 colleges and 12 departments. The annual tuition fee for medical studies at Peking Medical University is around 42,000 yuan, with a 5-year medical program. The university is famous for its library, which holds over 455 million books, making it the largest university library in Asia. It is also part of the C9 League, an association of China’s top nine universities. Various programs are offered at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels.
5. Nanjing Medical University
6. Nanjing Medical University (NMU) is renowned for its high-quality medical education. It has four top hospitals for educational and therapeutic purposes. The duration of the medical program at NMU is 6 years, with an annual tuition fee of 34,000 yuan. The university is ranked 131st in the QS rankings and is known as one of the most popular destinations for international students.
7. Xiamen University School of Medicine
8. Xiamen University School of Medicine (XMU) is popular for its distinguished curriculum and rigorous hospital-based training. It produces highly skilled doctors. The duration of the medical program at XMU is 6 years, and the annual tuition fee is 38,000 yuan.
9. Jiangsu University
10. Jiangsu University (JSU) is one of the top medical universities in China. It boasts 300 highly qualified medical professors and offers the best clinical internship programs at its 9 affiliated hospitals and institutions. The annual tuition fee for medical studies at JSU is 34,000 yuan, and the duration of the program is 6 years, or 5.5 years for students enrolling in March.
11. Capital Medical University
12. Capital Medical University (CMU) has one of the largest networks of affiliated hospitals among medical universities in China. With over 14 hospitals in China and 20 medical schools worldwide, CMU is well-known for its outstanding research in medical fields. The tuition fee for medical studies at CMU is 50,000 yuan per year, and the program lasts for 6 years.

1. Zhejiang University School of Medicine
2. Zhejiang University (ZJU) is one of the top ten medical universities in China. The university is globally recognized for its dynamic medical education, scientific research, and clinical performance. The annual tuition fee for medical studies at ZJU is 42,800 yuan.
3. Jinzhou Medical University
4. Jinzhou Medical University (JZMU) is a top-tier public medical university in China and is recognized by the World Health Organization. The annual tuition fee for medical studies at JZMU is 35,000 yuan. International students interested in studying medicine in China can consider Jinzhou Medical University as an excellent option.
5. Dalian Medical University
6. Dalian Medical University (DMU) is known as one of the most beautiful medical universities in China. Its medical programs are accredited by the World Health Organization. The medical program at DMU lasts 6 years, including one year of internship. The annual tuition fee is 42,000 yuan.

Ministry of Health-Approved Universities in China Before applying to universities in China, students should ensure that their medical degree will be recognized by the Ministry of Health in their home country, especially those who plan to return to Iran for work. Some of the Ministry of Health-approved universities in China include:

• Anhui Medical University
• Army Medical University
• Beijing Normal University
• Capital Medical University
• China Pharmaceutical University
• Chongqing Medical University
• Dalian Medical University
• Fudan University
• Tsinghua University
• Guangzhou Medical University

Conclusion The affordable tuition fees, diverse academic programs, and the availability of English-medium medical education are some of the reasons that attract students to pursue medical studies in China. China’s universities rank highly in global rankings, and their degrees are widely recognized. For more information on admission conditions, tuition fees, visa processes, and other details, you can consult with experts at Elm Vira Institute. By filling out a free consultation request form, you can get the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding studying medicine in China and other European countries.